Child Life
Overview
The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences offers a Master of Science or Master of Arts degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a sequence in Child Life. The Child Life sequence prepares students to enter the child life profession by providing advanced study of child development and family systems and a better understanding of the psychosocial impact of stressful situations, focusing on healthcare. Students apply theory to practice in the classroom and at clinical sites. Our graduate program meets the academic requirements set forth by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
Strong candidates for the Child Life graduate program are those who:
- Have a strong foundation in child development and developmental theory
- Can articulate a clear understanding of Child Life and its theoretical basis
- Have a minimum of 50 hours of hospital volunteer experience; preferably including contact with Child Life
Point of Pride
90% of Child Life graduate students received an internship offer at first application and 97% within the second round of applications.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Keri Edwards, CCLS
(309) 438-2648
Turner 203B
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How to Apply
University Admission Requirements
A student applying to a master's program must:
- have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
- present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions. International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 iBT; the minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5 band.
Additional Program Admission Requirements
A student applying to this program must:
- have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of your undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a graduate program.
- Upload a personal essay addressing the following prompts: What is your personal philosophy on Child Life? Why are you interested in the field of Child Life? What are your personal strengths and areas for growth? Describe your experience working with children and families in a variety of settings.
- Provide names and email addresses for three references; two references should be from an academic source and one should indicate direct experience with children.
- Upload a document showing proof of at least 50 hours of hospital experience, preferably including contact with Child Life
- Submit a resume
Applicants may be considered for graduate assistantships from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. An additional application is not necessary.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Term — February 1
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